Children at schools in Mepal, Sutton and Haddenham enjoy visit from Mepal Molly dancers

Children at primary schools in Mepal, Sutton and Haddenham enjoyed visits from the Mepal Molly dancers on Monday.

After a short introductory talk, the group performed a song and dance before the children joined in the dance.
In the afternoon Mepal Molly visited Haddenham Cherry Tree Pub, Stretham , Wicken Fen and Soham ending the day time at Ely Market Place.
Michael Czarnobaj, organiser, said: “Plough Monday is a revival of a celebration which was common place in East Anglia many years ago.
“It is the day (first Monday after Epiphany) farm workers returned to work after the Christmas / New Year period.
“Often the land was flooded or frozen so no ploughing. No work no wages. Short of money after the Christmas period they would either push a plough around the village or town cadging/ busking for a few coppers from the homes or businesses of wealthier people.
“Some would dance and sing (Molly Dancers) similarly collecting money. Mepal Molly revived this custom in January 1977 – named after the village the dancers all lived in at the time.”
Source: Camb Times